Senior Financial Accountant at Merchant West

Role Purpose:

• This is a dual-function role within the MW Holdings Group, combining full financial accounting responsibilities with payroll oversight at a group level. The role is structured with an approximate 75/25 split between end-to-end financial accounting for designated group entities and strategic payroll oversight across the Group.
• On the accounting side, the successful candidate will take full ownership of the finance function for specific entities – from invoice processing through to Annual Financial Statements (AFS) – ensuring accurate reporting, strong financial controls, and timely payment of suppliers and statutory obligations.
• On the payroll side, the role will oversee payroll operations at MW Holdings level, working closely with the Payroll Capturer and utilising Sage 300 HRIS. The position requires a strong finance-oriented payroll skillset, ensuring payroll accuracy, correct journal postings to the general ledger, timely statutory submissions and payments, and audit readiness.
• The role requires close collaboration with the CFO, Group Accountants, auditors, and other business stakeholders to ensure compliance, accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

Financial Accounting

• Assume full financial accounting responsibility for designated group companies, from invoice processing to Annual Financial Statements.
• Perform all day-to-day accounting functions including bank statement capturing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger management.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing and payment of supplier invoices, maintaining appropriate supporting documentation.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and resolve discrepancies timeously.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and ensure accurate and complete journal entries.
• Prepare accurate Trial Balance reports and management accounts on a monthly basis.
• Prepare annual financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Prepare and submit statutory returns including VAT, EMP201, and corporate income tax (including provisional tax).
• Prepare detailed budgets.
• Ensure all accounting practices comply with legal, regulatory, and internal control requirements.
• Manage year-end processes and liaise with external auditors, resolving queries efficiently.
• Support the CFO and CEO with ad hoc financial analysis and reporting requirements.

Payroll Oversight

• Oversee the end-to-end payroll function for the MW Holdings Group using Sage 300 HRIS.
• Work closely with the Payroll Capturer to review and validate monthly payroll processing prior to release.
• Review payroll reconciliations monthly to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare and/or review payroll journals and ensure accurate posting to the general ledger for submission to Group Accountants.
• Ensure timely and accurate payment of all statutory payroll-related taxes and deductions (including PAYE, UIF, SDL and other applicable levies) as well as company contributions to third parties (Provident Fund, Risk Cover, Medical Aid).
• Release payroll for payment to employees on a monthly basis in line with internal approval processes.
• Assist the CFO with bonus calculations, incentive schedules, leave pay accruals, and related payroll adjustments.
• Ensure payroll records are audit-ready and assist external auditors with all payroll-related queries.
• Maintain strong internal controls over payroll processes to ensure confidentiality, accuracy, and compliance with legislation.
• Continuously review payroll processes and identify opportunities for improvement and efficiency.

Qualifications:

• BCom degree with Finance and/or Accounting
• Post Degree qualification could be advantageous

Experience:

• 10+ years’ experience in a similar role.
• Advanced Excel and working with formulas.
• Proven experience in full-function financial accounting, including preparation of Annual Financial Statements.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll legislation and statutory requirements (advantageous).
• Demonstrated experience overseeing payroll functions within a finance environment.
• Experience working with Sage 300 People HRIS & Payroll (or similar payroll system).
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, journal entries, and reconciliations.

Skills:

• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and strong internal control mindset.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with senior leadership and group finance teams.
• Deadline oriented with strong organisational skills.
• Exceptional communication skills both written and spoken.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Competencies:

• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Analytical thinking and problem solving
• Accountability and ownership
• Professional integrity and ethical judgement
• Stakeholder collaboration and communication
• Time management and organisational discipline
• Results orientation and reliability
• Compliance awareness and governance discipline